22 Soweto protesters to appear in court

Twenty two people arrested during protests in Protea Glen South in Soweto will appear in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The group who were arrested on Thursday were expected to face charges ranging from public violence to malicious damage to property and looting.

On Thursday, demonstrations kicked-off in the area, with locals demanding better service delivery. A group of 19 people were first arrested then another group of 4 were later detained.

Warrant Officer Kay Makhubela said of the four detained only three were formally arrested.

“Our records show that only 22 people will appear in the Protea Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (on Monday)… As far as I know , no arrests were made on Saturday,” Makhubela said.

The residents of the area re-ignited service delivery demonstrations on Saturday morning at 3am, where police had to disperse them by firing rubber bullets. They had burnt tyres, blockaded roads and threw stones.

Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar had said there was a strong police presence and roads were reopened by the afternoon.

Traffic was diverted off Chris Hani Road and motorists were advised to stay off Ndaba Road and the N12 near the area.